SR193: SR193 Taylor, Troy; recognize

25 LC 112 2919 Senate Resolution 193 By: Senators Jones of the 10th, Mallow of the 2nd, Goodman of the 8th, Merritt of the 9th, Sims of the 12th and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing and commending Troy Taylor; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, Troy Taylor's interest in art began while working as a fine art poster repair clerk2 at Bruce McGaw Graphics during his sophomore year of college, a passion that steadily grew3 during his distinguished career in engineering and corporate leadership; and4 WHEREAS, in 2009, inspired by his global travels, he founded ZuCot Gallery in Atlanta's5 Castleberry Hill neighborhood, transforming a dirt-floor commer cial space into a6 contemporary fine arts gallery; and7 WHEREAS, he named the gallery in tribute to his paternal grandm other, Frances Ann8 Taylor, who was among the first women permitted to own a stall in the local produce market9 within the British colony of Saint Christopher, now St. Kitts, where she developed the10 reputation of being "as tough as a ZOO CAT"; and11 WHEREAS, in 2011, Troy Taylor attended an art show held by Onaje and Omari Henderson,12 owners of Premier Art, who had built a platform to showcase and market African American13 artists after recognizing a gap in art education and accessibility; and14 S. R. 193 - 1 - 25 LC 112 2919 WHEREAS, Troy Taylor partnered with the Henderson brothers in 2012 to re-brand ZuCot15 Gallery with a primary focus on the works of living African American artists, forming "The16 Art Brothers" and adopting the philosophy that art is a reflection of one's personal character17 and values; and18 WHEREAS, ZuCot Gallery has since grown into the largest African American fine arts19 gallery in the southeastern Un ited States, representing artists from across the country and20 attracting a diverse clientele; and21 WHEREAS, the gallery has hosted countless events for congressme n, senators, supreme22 court justices, mayors, professional organizations, Fortune 500 companies, students, and the23 public, earning its reputation as a hub for networking, education, and cultural engagement;24 and25 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkab le individual be26 appropriately honored.27 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body28 recognize and commend Troy Taylor, founder of ZuCot Gallery, for his many outstanding29 contributions on behalf of the arts as well as extend best wishes for continued success.30 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed31 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Troy Taylor.32 S. R. 193 - 2 -